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INAC press release ...

Government of Canada Launches Two New Programs to Improve First Nation Education

Ottawa (December 2, 2008) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians today announced the launch of two new programs that will help First Nation students succeed academically.

“I am pleased to announce the launch of the Education Partnerships Program and the First Nation Student Success Program,” said Minister Strahl. “These two new proposal-based programs represent an important step in making long-term, collaborative improvements in First Nations education.”

Through the Education Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will work with interested First Nations and provinces to develop and enhance tripartite partnerships to support better collaboration between First Nation schools and provincial education systems. This builds on the tripartite agreements with British Columbia and New Brunswick.

Through the First Nation Student Success Program, schools will be encouraged to develop success plans, conduct student assessments, and put in place performance management systems to assess school and student progress.

“Our government believes that First Nation students deserve an education system that will encourage them to stay in school, graduate, and develop the skills they need to enter the labour market,” said Minister Strahl. “Governments, communities, educators, families and students all have a role to play in achieving real results. That is why we want to work with all of our partners to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal people.”

As stated in last month’s Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal Canadians fully share in economic opportunities and is putting particular emphasis on improving education for First Nations in partnership with the provinces and First Nations communities.

For more information on these two new programs please visit Education Programs.

For more information, please contact:

Minister's Office
Nina Chiarelli
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002

Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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To set the foundation for long-term reform of First Nation education, INAC's Reforming First Nation Education Initiative, launched in 2008, supports improved educational outcomes for First Nations student through investments in two additional programs: